Forest School Leader

Main Responsibilities

Delivering Forest School Sessions

• Plan and deliver engaging Forest School sessions using the school's established outdoor learning programme.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of individual pupils.
• Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive outdoor learning environment.
• Promote confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence through outdoor experiences.
• Support pupils to develop communication, emotional regulation and practical life skills through meaningful activities.
• Encourage curiosity, exploration and a respect for the natural environment.

Outdoor Learning Activities

Lead a range of practical outdoor learning experiences, including:

• Woodland exploration
• Shelter and den building
• Nature investigations
• Conservation projects
• Outdoor cooking using the school's cob oven
• Campfire activities
• Safe tool use
• Fire lighting (where appropriate)
• Rope and knot work
• Clay work and natural crafts
• Seasonal environmental activities
• Practical life skills and independence activities

Working with School Staff

• Work closely with class teachers to understand pupils' individual needs and learning objectives.
• Deliver activities that support individual EHCP outcomes identified by teaching staff.
• Provide verbal and written feedback following Forest School sessions.
• Share observations of pupil engagement, behaviour and progress.
• Support teaching assistants and other staff working within Forest School sessions.
• Attend meetings where appropriate to contribute to pupils' development.

Health and Safety

• Carry out daily safety checks of the Forest School site.
• Complete and follow risk assessments for all activities.
• Ensure the safe use of tools, fires and outdoor equipment.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety at all times.
• Promote positive behaviour and safe risk-taking.
• Hold responsibility for the safe management of the Forest School environment.

Site and Resource Management

• Maintain the woodland area and Forest School site.
• Care for the cob oven, fire circle and outdoor learning spaces.
• Organise, maintain and safely store equipment and resources.
• Identify equipment and resource requirements.
• Support conservation and environmental improvement projects around the site.

Safeguarding

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils.
• Follow school safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Ensure all activities are inclusive, accessible and appropriate for individual needs.

General Responsibilities

• Promote the school's values and ethos.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and continuing professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Headteacher.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Level 3 Forest School Leader Qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Outdoor First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Current safeguarding training (or willingness to undertake).

Essential Experience

• Experience delivering Forest School or outdoor learning sessions.
• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Experience of leading groups safely outdoors.
• Experience carrying out risk assessments and managing outdoor activities.
• Knowledge of safe tool use and fire management.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Good behaviour management skills.
• Ability to adapt activities to meet individual needs.
• Good organisational skills.
• Commitment to inclusive practice.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Passion for outdoor learning and child-centred education.

Desirable

• Experience working within a specialist SEND school.
• Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD and SEMH.
• Experience of outdoor cooking programmes.
• Woodland management or conservation experience.
• Full UK driving licence.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Enthusiastic and passionate about outdoor learning.
• Calm, patient and nurturing.
• Creative and resourceful.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Reliable and organised.
• Positive and resilient.
• Able to inspire confidence in children and young people.
• Committed to helping every pupil achieve success.

Safeguarding Statement

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, online checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, verification of qualifications and right to work in the UK.

Pay: £32,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person